‘We should have an Old Firm decider’ – Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers believes the Scottish Professional Football League should not shrink away from giving Celtic the chance to clinch the Premiership title against Rangers in the first round of post-split fixtures.

The Celtic boss said: “In any other country, they would look to play the game and showcase your football. They’d be falling over themselves to get it on the telly. But for some reason we can’t do that here which is a sad indictment of the world that it is here at times. Scotland is a wonderful country with passionate supporters so make it a great advert – let’s not run away from it. I haven’t been told [it definitely won’t happen] so let’s see what they do.”

Lennart Thy ‘focused’ on Werder Bremen despite Celtic interest

Celtic target Lennart Thy is only focused on parent club Werder Bremen, despite the Hoops sending scouts to watch the striker in action for loan side VVV Venlo.

The 26-year-old hitman said: “At the end of the season I’ll return to Bremen and I will work harder than ever to get into the team next season. It was a good decision to go on loan but I won’t be at Venlo for more than a year.”

Rangers will get Pena back unless he improves, insists Caixinha

Cruz Azul boss Pedro Caixinha has warned on-loan midfielder Carlos Pena that he has to improve his performance if he wants to strike a permanent deal – or face being sent back to Rangers.

Pena followed his former Ibrox boss to Mexico in January on a one-year loan arrangement but has struggled for form, and was subbed at half time in his most recent appearance.

Caixinha said: “Pena owes me more than I owe him. He has a one-year loan but the next part of the season will decide whether he stays with us after that. If not, when the loan ends he will go back to Rangers.”

Hibs must make most of being in top six – Lewis Stevenson

Lewis Stevenson has urged his team-mates to make the most of being in the top six for the first time in eight years by “having a right go” at taking second place.

Hibs go into the final five matches of the season just three points behind Rangers and Aberdeen in the race to be “best of the rest”, but could be even closer after being held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Ross County.

However, while admitting it will be tough going, Stevenson insisted Neil Lennon’s players have nothing to fear given their league record against the other teams.

Defenders shine in Hearts’ Player of the Year awards

Christophe Berra and John Souttar were the big winners at Hearts’ Player of the Year awards on Sunday night, with Berra winning the top gong and his defensive colleague picking up the Young Player of the Year prize.

Rookie full back Chris Hamilton was named Under-20s player of the year while Demetri Mitchell won the Goal of the Season award for his strike against St Johnstone.